Staff Reports
Republican Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana has dropped out of the U.S. Senate race just six days after launching his campaign to challenge Democratic incumbent Jon Tester. The decision came after Rosendale received a cold shoulder from his own party, with President Donald Trump and the National Republican Senatorial Committee throwing their weight behind Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL and the CEO of Bridger Aerospace.
That Was Fast: Matt Rosendale Already Dropping Senate Bid
https://t.co/AnpkNBDgo1— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) February 16, 2024
Rosendale, who had previously run against Tester in 2018 and came up short, cited an uphill battle against Trump’s endorsement of his opponent and a lack of resources as the reasons for his abrupt exit. It’s no surprise that Rosendale’s fellow Republicans were doubtful of his chances, considering his past defeat and the NRSC’s early backing of Sheehy. Even Montana’s own Sen. Steve Daines had advised Rosendale to stick to his House seat.
In a statement, Rosendale acknowledged the tough road ahead with Trump endorsing Sheehy, and expressed his ongoing support for the president despite the disappointing turn of events. He described the race as an uphill climb against the Republican establishment and ultimately decided to step back for the sake of party unity. The move left Trump-endorsed Sheehy as the primary contender to take on Tester in November.
With Rosendale bowing out, Sheehy wasted no time in launching a massive ad campaign highlighting his endorsement from President Trump. Meanwhile, the NRSC and other Republicans emphasized the importance of rallying behind Sheehy to defeat Tester, emphasizing the need for Republican unity in key Senate races.
The Montana Senate race remains a critical battleground, and with Republican opportunities to pick up seats in 2024, the stakes are high. Tester’s vulnerability in a state that leans conservative makes this a key race to watch, especially with the possibility of Republicans gaining ground in the Senate. As the campaign heats up, Sheehy’s endorsement from Trump and the party’s push for unity will play a significant role in shaping the outcome.
